The Purpose of Policies | University Policy Office (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of university policies? ›

University Policies protect the integrity of the university's mission and operations, and reflect the governance structure of the university.

While policies offer a variety of benefits, the primary goal they accomplish is to put in writing what the company expects from employees in terms of the behavior, actions, and processes they take in specific scenarios.

A policy is a set of rules or guidelines for your organization and employees to follow in order to achieve a specific goal (i.e. compliance). Effective policies answer questions about what employees do (such as directions, limits, principles, and decision-making guidance) and why they do it.

The policy statement, or body of the policy, identifies the actual guiding principles or what is to be done. The statements are designed to influence and determine decisions and actions within the scope of coverage. The statements should define actions that are prudent, expedient, or advantageous to the organization.

The purpose of universities is to provide rational explanations and meaning to society, shape new individuals through teaching, and create new possibilities through research.

In higher education, institutions often develop policies to address specific, recurring issues or challenges facing the institution or as pre-emptive answers for anticipated questions.

Another advantage is that policies provide a framework for consistent decision making and action. In fact, one of the primary objectives of a policy is to ensure that personnel act in a manner consistent with executive or functional management's expectations.

There is a large variety of possible policy statement examples. Some examples include a company's social media policy, a school district's bullying policy, an organization's diversity and inclusion policy, or a company's code of conduct policy.

We believe a good policy is respectful, clear and succinct. We specialise in writing and rewriting policies that adhere to these characteristics.

Are university policies legally binding? ›

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary action. Since the Student Handbook is considered a binding legal contract, universities have the authority to enforce its provisions.

To help manage their responsibilities, most research institutions have research offices/officers and institutional research policies. Both provide excellent sources of guidance for responsible conduct in research, since both are the products of the institution's efforts to clarify its own responsibilities.

Academic misconduct disrespects the academic work of others and breaks down trust. Respect is a qualitative factor that has long-term consequences in lifelong learning. For both students and researchers, proper attribution is critical. Academic integrity is an indicator of future workplace behavior.

it ensures fairness in the academic work that students complete, it ensures fairness in the grades that students earn, it protects the value of your credentials, and. it protects the reputation of your academic institution.